European Central Bank holds rate at 4%

LONDON (MarketWatch) -- The European Central Bank on Thursday kept its key interest rate at 4%, though the central bank could signal future rate moves in response to continued growth in Germany, Italy and other European countries. The European Central Bank, which sets rates for the 13 countries from Germany to Slovenia that use the euro as their currency, as expected kept its rate at 4% after a quarter-point hike in June. The ECB has doubled interest rates over the last 19 months in response to improving economic growth and declining unemployment, notably in the euro-zone's largest economy, Germany.

Have breaking news sent to your inbox. Subscribe to MarketWatch's free Bulletin emails. Sign up here.

Intraday Data provided by SIX Financial Information and subject to terms of use. Historical and current end-of-day data provided by SIX Financial Information. All quotes are in local exchange time. Real-time last sale data for U.S. stock quotes reflect trades reported through Nasdaq only. Intraday data delayed at least 15 minutes or per exchange requirements.